We exchange glances, and I continue. “Thank you for being here when she needs you. We both appreciate your support.”
“Both?” she squeaks, her eyes widening impossibly further. “You, uh, she…” She trails off.
A throat clears behind her, and when I raise my gaze, I find a statuesque blonde watching me with cold intensity.
“Good to meet you, Jessica.” I hold my hand out to her too, but she doesn’t take it.
“I don’t care how many men you’ve knocked out, how rich you are, or how attractive most women find you,” she tells me without inflection. “If you hurt Ashlin, I will make your life very difficult.”
Despite the threat, I smile. “I’m pleased to know you’ve got her back.”
She stares at me for a long moment, and I don’t blink. I’m not sure what she’s looking for, but this woman means a lot to Ashlin, and I’ll earn her approval however I can, even if I feel my balls trying to climb up inside me. She looks at me like she’s a cat and I’m a mouse. She’s trying to decide if I’m worth toying with.
“I mean it,” she warns, pursing her lips.
Built like a goddess, Jessica Leighton would drive most men out of their minds with lust. She’s nearly six feet tall, with tousled blonde hair, golden skin, aquamarine eyes, and the kind of curves that rock a bikini. As a former professional beach volleyball player, I’m sure she’s had plenty of people tell her so. But I prefer petite brunettes with big hearts.
“Tell you what,” I say. “If I hurt her, I’ll let you take a free shot.”
“Deal.” She still doesn’t shake my hand, but she stops glaring and turns her attention to Ashlin instead. “How are you doing? Need a hug?”
“Yes, please.”
Jessica and Paige sandwich Ashlin in the center of their three-person embrace, and I force myself to look away. They’re sharing an intimate moment and don’t need me staring at them. When I hear them break apart, I decide to beat a strategic retreat.
I grab Ashlin’s hand and pull her aside. “If you’re okay with them, I’ll head out and let you catch up.” Her bangs are mussed from the group hug and I itch to smooth them into place. “See you soon?”
“Yeah.” She slides her hand from mine, and disappointment squeezes my heart. “Thanks for coming today. I’ll call you when I have news.”
“Okay.” I back away from her. “Nice to meet you, ladies.”
“You, too,” Paige assures me.
Jessica just raises a hand. “Until we meet again.”
11
Ashlin
“Oh. My. God.” Paige fans her face as the door snicks shut behind Seth. “Are there pheromones in here, or what?”
I shake my head. “You’re being ridiculous.”
She flounces down the hall and into the living room. “Am not. That man is sexy, and the way he was looking at you?Mm. Potent.”
Sighing, I ignore her. I know Seth is sexy. That’s never been in doubt.
“I can tell why you want your baby to have his genes,” she continues, regardless. “The two of you would make stunning children. Don’t you think, Jess?” She flings herself onto the beanbag.
I hover in the doorway. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Nope.” She points at a chair. “Sit.”
“I’ll make herbal tea,” Jessica says, heading into the kitchen. “Put a pause on the conversation until I’m back.”
We do, and when she carries a tray with three mugs of tea into the room and places it on the coffee table, she pauses before choosing her own and glancing over at me.
“Did I sense some sparks between you and your ex?”
